Voltaren 50 mg Oral Tablets (Diclofenac): Uses and Safety

The oral tablet and its uses

Voltaren 50 mg oral tablets contain diclofenac sodium in an enteric-coated form. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that relieves pain and inflammation. This summary uses the Australian Voltaren tablet product information, with NHS interaction guidance. It does not describe Voltaren gel, eye drops, suppositories or diclofenac potassium rapid-release products.

The Australian tablet information includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, painful conditions with inflammation such as back pain or sprains, and period pain. Enteric coating changes where the tablet releases its contents; it does not remove systemic adverse effects. The tablet should not be treated as interchangeable with every other diclofenac formulation.

Side effects and important warning signs

Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache and dizziness can occur. Visual disturbance or drowsiness can make driving unsafe. A previous ulcer or intestinal bleeding, significant heart, kidney or liver disease, and allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs require particular attention. Diclofenac may be unsuitable even when it has helped pain before.

Serious problems can include gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, kidney or liver injury and severe allergic or skin reactions. Vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, sudden weakness, speech difficulty, breathing problems or widespread blistering require urgent medical assessment. Yellow eyes, dark urine or marked unusual fatigue can indicate liver problems and also deserve prompt review.

Interactions and reproductive precautions

Check for other NSAIDs in painkillers and cold remedies before combining treatments. Anticoagulants such as warfarin, antiplatelet medicines, corticosteroids and SSRI antidepressants can add to bleeding concerns. Do not alter a prescribed blood thinner independently in an attempt to make a painkiller fit the regimen.

Diuretics, blood-pressure medicines, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, ciclosporin, tacrolimus and some antibiotics also require a professional medicine check. Herbal products and supplements are not automatically compatible; the complete list helps a pharmacist assess risks and any monitoring needed.

The Australian consumer information advises against use during pregnancy, while trying to conceive and during breastfeeding. These are product-specific regulatory precautions; personal treatment and exposure questions need an individual assessment using the local leaflet.

Sources

• Voltaren tablets — Australian approved product and consumer information — CMI November 2025, code vlt171125c; MIMS January 2026
• Diclofenac interactions — NHS medicine guidance — Page reviewed 5 August 2024
• About diclofenac — NHS medicine guidance — Page reviewed 5 August 2024

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records verification of the cited sources, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Product instructions and availability can differ between countries.